LETTER: Understand Lyme disease

Discovered in 1975, Lyme disease has become prevalent in the Northeast. In New York, Columbia and Greene counties have the highest rate per capita in the country.

I am a transplant from Long Island, where a lot of people I know have contracted Lyme disease and have been completely misdiagnosed by their doctors with a host of illnesses, from psychiatric disorders to rheumatoid arthritis with dozens of illnesses in between. There are over 300 illnesses that mimic Lyme disease.

Even after being treated with antibiotics, upward of 25 percent of patients still experience Lyme disease symptoms months, even years, after they contracted the disease. It’s quite simple to me. We just don’t know enough about this most debilitating disease. I can assure you that there are many people walking around out there that are suffering from what’s called “Lyme flareups.”

People have the impression that you need to see a bull’s eye or rash on their body, which is simply not true. All I can say is, talk to your doctor if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. It’s a simple blood test — have it done. And, above all, check your body for ticks.

We are lucky to have at least two people representing us regarding this issue, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook. Their offices have been working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta to figure out how to control this disease.

I have had Lyme disease, and I can assure you it’s no walk in the park.